This Hamburger and Zucchini Skillet is one of those dinners that checks all the boxes: quick, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. It’s light but filling, packed with vegetables, and comes together in just one pan—which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy your evening. With zucchini, ground beef, brown rice, bell peppers, and tomatoes all simmered together, it’s a complete meal you can get on the table in about 30 minutes.
If you ever find yourself staring at a pile of zucchini wondering what to do with it, this recipe is the answer. There are only so many zucchini side dishes anyone can eat before getting bored, so turning it into a hearty main dish just makes sense. This skillet was born out of that exact need: a simple, no-fuss way to use up zucchini without it feeling repetitive or uninspired.
What makes this dish especially great is how balanced it is. You’ve got protein from the ground beef, fiber and texture from the brown rice, and loads of vegetables mixed throughout. Everything cooks together in one skillet, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. The zucchini becomes tender, the rice soaks up all the seasoning, and the tomatoes add just the right amount of moisture and brightness.
Flavor-wise, it’s simple but far from boring. Chili powder and a few basic seasonings give the dish warmth and depth without overpowering the vegetables. It’s the kind of meal that tastes comforting and familiar, yet still feels fresh and nourishing. No complicated spice blends, no fancy ingredients—just straightforward, good food.
This is also one of those rare veggie-packed meals that the whole family actually gets excited about. Every time I make it, the skillet is scraped clean, and even the kids go back for seconds. That’s always a win in my book, especially knowing they’re eating a dinner loaded with zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and onions.
Another reason this recipe works so well is the use of instant brown rice. It cooks quickly and makes this truly a 30-minute dinner. Just be sure to use instant brown rice rather than regular, since that’s what allows everything to finish cooking at the same time. With a mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples, this easy one-skillet dinner is perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy, hearty, and low-effort.
This Hamburger and Zucchini Skillet is one of those dinners that checks all the boxes: quick, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. It’s light but filling, packed with vegetables, and comes together in just one pan—which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy your evening. Please leave a star rating and comment to let us know how you liked this recipe!Hamburger and Zucchini Skillet
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